I became a teacher because I wanted to be involved in kids lives and have the chance to positively influence them.

Who is a teacher or professor who inspired you and how?

My high school Chemistry teacher/basketball coach (Charles Henry)showed me the importance of hard work, discipline, and commitment in education and athletics. And my high school Jazz choir instructor (Linda Schmidt) who showed me the importance of the fine arts in a well rounded education and that caring about students lives can be as valuable in education as anything taught in the classroom.

Who is someone in current events who you admire and why?

I admire Bono, lead singer of the band U2. As frontman for the biggest band in the world he has used his platform to do a tremendous amount of humanitarian work throughout the world.

What are the greatest challenges in education today?

Motivating students.

What advice can you offer for someone who wants to go into education?

Know why you want to go into education and keep that at the forefront of why you go to work everyday.

What teaching moment is most memorable?

The moments when “the light goes on” for students and they see the value of their education.